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SWVA Economic Forum: “Richer Places Are Becoming Richer and Poorer Places Are Becoming Poorer”

SWVA Economic Forum: “Richer Places Are Becoming Richer and Poorer Places Are Becoming Poorer”

Wise, VA- May 21, 2026 at the David J. Prior Convocation Center on the campus of The University of Virginia's College at Wise, the 2026 Southwest Virginia Economic Forum brought together business leaders, educators, tourism officials, local government leaders and state officials from across the Coalfields and Appalachian

Every Child Needs Someone in Their Corner

Every Child Needs Someone in Their Corner

The Story of Rhoda Blackwell Rhoda Blackwell was not raised thinking about politics. She was raised around people trying to survive life while helping each other through it. She was born in Arlington, Virginia, but her family’s direction changed early. After the death of her aunt, her parents moved

When Anger Found Its Audience in Rural America

When Anger Found Its Audience in Rural America

Recent research from Washington University in St. Louis shows something many of us in rural America have felt for decades now. Anger moves people more than fear. It is anger, not fear, that changes minds, changes their political party and drives politics. Look back to 1980s. Rural America began losing

The Most American Story You’ve Never Heard

The Most American Story You’ve Never Heard

I’m not famous. I’m not rich. I never rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous either. But I grew up with real American heroes. My Papaw had a shoebox full of medals from flying a B-17 over Europe in World War II. Some of his buddies had

Answering the Call!

Answering the Call!

Cindy Green Answers the Call for District 44 Delegate Run When President John F. Kennedy spoke his famous words in 1961 — “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” — he called the country into service. Dr. William Ferguson “Fergie” Reid Sr.

Blessings of Being a First-Gen American

Blessings of Being a First-Gen American

By Darryl Campbell, Candidate for Blacksburg Town Council I didn’t grow up thinking I’d run for public office. I grew up thinking I was supposed to help. That when someone needed something, I should show up. Whether it was a friend, a neighbor, or an entire community, I

When the Factories Went Quiet: NAFTA and the Day Rural America Felt Left Behind

When the Factories Went Quiet: NAFTA and the Day Rural America Felt Left Behind

When the Factories Went Quiet: NAFTA and the Day Rural America Felt Left Behind